Stringent conditions for biogas plant operators underline the need for innovative management systems. Moreover, economic efficiency is becoming increasingly important. WELTEC BIOPOWER has developed a comprehensive application in order to enable technically reliable, profitable operation.

The ProMOS Bio software contains the bundled know-how of the biogas manufacturer from Germany. Accordingly, it is suitable for all plant types and classes, even those of other manufacturers. At the Energy Decentral/Eurotier in Hanover, Germany, the program will be presented to the public for the first time.

"We put special emphasis on the subject of plant profitability and have integrated related analysis options in ProMOS Bio", explains Hendrik von Buchholz, the project manager.

"In this way, it will be easier for users to analyse available data, identify interrelationships and plan more effectively for the future", says von Buchholz.

Thanks to the new software, inaccurate calculations belong to the past. Values such as the plant's own power consumption and the amount of generated energy can be checked and verified. At the bottom line, the data determined by ProMOS Bio provide an optimum overview and assist the operator in filtering out the cost drivers in the plant.

The operating log also provides a precise overview. The age of paper chaos is over: With ProMOS Bio, the users can enter the meter readings in prescribed check lists or schedule upcoming plant maintenance work.

The app directly synchronises the data with the software. Owing to this functionality, the plant operator can always see the latest data on the PC, as incoming updates are applied immediately. The information can be used as the basis for optimising the fermenter load, storage, substrate input and manure management.

The well-structured charts in which the data are displayed in processed form contribute to transparency. All data can also be downloaded or printed out.

With the help of ProMOS Bio, users can comply with their external documentation obligations more efficiently, as plant operators can also use the relevant values and analyses for authorities, banks, appraisers and tax consultants.

"The application has been consistently developed under consideration of real-life requirements", explains von Buchholz. In the development process, various plant operators participated and provided ongoing feedback during the test phase that lasted several months.

Moreover, the technical implementation by the IT consultancy Proventa AG in Frankfurt, Germany, played a key role in developing the system in accordance with the state of the art. With a certified data protection standard, Proventa AG also makes sure that all data remain on national servers, subject to advanced security criteria.

Last but not least, the entire application stands out with its functional, visually appealing design. The system can easily be controlled over an intuitive user interface. In the personal to-do lists, users will quickly find what they are looking for.

Tasks, messages or photographs of any operational problems can be transmitted speedily. The user friendliness will also help biogas plant operators to benefit quickly from the functionality of ProMOS Bio. In this way, they will be well equipped for future challenges.

Key benefits of ProMOS Bio at a glance:

+ Various business management analysis options (e.g. income overview, contribution margin, profitability)

+ Support of the documentation obligation through archiving of inspection reports, maintenance reports and contracts

+ Time-saving operating log maintenance via smartphone app (no more paper chaos, full functionality even without an Internet connection)

+ Support of daily work with daily check lists and transmission of tasks and messages

+ Stock management of substrates

+ Use by various users with different access rights

+ Access to Web-based software from any location with the PC or smartphone

+ Suitable for all plant types and classes.